Energy communities in sustainable transitions - The South American Case

Abstract

Energy communities (ECs) have become an attractive scholarly target in the last years since they promote more sustainable, democratic, and decentralized electrical systems. Thus, a new research line around the alignments established by the European Union (EU) has arisen. Nevertheless, Latin American initiatives and academic works still lack a standard distinctness, being widely spread, despite commonalities. This study examines regional projects from a critical perspective to fashion a novel framework around South American ECs' experiences. Literature indicates a variety of cases in the region, primarily off-grid isolated ventures that satisfy basic human needs, employing hydropower, solar, wind, biomass, and biogas technologies. Notably, Brazil indicates more profound advancements in on-grid ECs within urban settlements.